I’ve discovered that Jack is part Korat! It’s obvious he’s not a pure-bred. His white socks and markings show quite clearly he’s part tabby cat. However, part of him is of royal lineage!
Korats are a slate blue-grey shorthair domestic cat with a small to medium build and a low percentage of body fat. Their bodies are semi-cobby, and surprisingly heavy for their size. They are intelligent, playful, active cats and form strong bonds with people. Among Korats' distinguishing characteristics are their heart-shaped heads and large green eyes. They are one of a few breeds where individuals have only one color, blue-grey.
The legend goes that Korats have 5 hearts: Their heart-shaped heads, their sweet heart-shaped faces, their little black heart-shaped noses, and the characteristic whorls on their chests which also form a heart shape – and lastly, the heart beating in his chest that is mighty and loving.
The Korat is one of the oldest stable cat breeds. Originating in Thailand, it is named after the Nakhon Ratchasima province (typically called "Korat" by the Thai people). In Thailand it is known as Si-Sawat, meaning "Color of the Sawat Seed".They are known colloquially as the "Good Luck Cat" and are given in pairs to newlyweds or to people who are highly esteemed, for good luck. Until recently, Korats were not sold, but only given as gifts.
However, Korats are no longer seen in Thailand, having long since interbred. Korats now exist due to the diligent efforts of a few breeders, most (perhaps all) of whom are outside of Thailand.
The first mention of the Korat is in "The Cat-Book Poems" authored between 1350 and 1767 AD in Thailand, now in the National library in Bangkok. In recent years the Korat was on a postage stamp in Thailand. An example hangs in the city of Korat's post office.
Korats first appeared in America in the 1950s and arrived in Britain from there in 1972.
How lovely that I should have ended up with this breed that is just perfect for me. I read an article which talked about how well they bond with their humans and how sweet they are. I've already seen that in his behavior.
What a good luck gift he has been in my life!
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